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SEDONA, Ariz., July 17, 2022 –  Erratic thunderstorm-caused winds Sunday evening led to an increase in size and fire behavior on the Committee Fire, which is now roughly 300 acres and located east of Sedona.

The fire is moving at a moderate rate of spread through heavy brush. Containment is at 0 percent.

Sunday operations included ground and aerial work. Helicopters shuttled firefighters to the top of the mesa to conduct ground operations throughout the day in addition to performing bucket drops along the steep edges of Jacks Canyon.

Crews plan to spend Monday conducting similar operations. 

There is a 20 percent chance of precipitation with a slight chance of thunderstorms Monday afternoon.

Current resources assigned to the Committee Fire include two Hotshot crews, one engine, one fuels crew, two Type 1 helicopters, one type 2 helicopter, one Type 3 helicopter, an Unmanned Aircraft System and miscellaneous overhead. Additional resources have been ordered.

Individuals are asked to refrain from flying drones anywhere around the fire's perimeter due to the large number of aerial resources working on the Committee Fire. If drones are present, all forest aircraft must be grounded, which hinders firefighting efforts.

Smoke will continue to be visible from the Sedona area. No structures are threatened at this time. 

A closure order has been issued for various roads and trails in the fire area. Closures may update at any time.

The fire was reported at 12:20 p.m. Friday and was likely caused by lightning.